Browbands(86)
Girths and Cinches(1,112)
Halters(1,315)
Horse Bits(1,110)
Horse Boots & Wraps(1,770)
Horse Bridles(1,151)
Horse Training(972)
Horse Treats & Toys(1,228)
Lead Ropes(299)
Muzzles & Cribbing(212)
Reins(287)
Saddle Pads(1,901)
Saddles(246)
Studs & Plugs(42)
Tack Accessories(154)
Shop Now At SmartPak
All Purpose/Eventing Saddles or
Choose a Category
- Shop Barn and Stable Supplies
- Shop Cotton Leads
- Shop Daily Dewormer
- Shop Dog & Cat Products
- Shop Dog Cardiovascular Support Supplements
- Shop Fleece Jackets
- Shop Fleeces
- Shop Gifts, Books & DVDs
- Shop Halter Accessories
- Shop Horse Health Care Products
- Shop Horse Supplements
- Shop Horse Tack, Supplies and Equipment
- Shop Jackets
- Shop Leather Halters
- Shop Leather Leads
- Shop Long Sleeve Shirts
- Shop Most Wished For
- Shop New Products
- Shop Nylon Halters
- Shop Nylon Leads
- Shop Outerwear Accessories
- Shop Pants
- Shop Personalized Outerwear
- Shop Personalized Shirts
- Shop Rain and Winter Pants
- Shop Rider Apparel & Gear
- Shop Rope Halters
- Shop Sale
- Shop Short Sleeve Shirts
- Shop Soft Shell Jackets
- Shop Sweaters
- Shop Sweatshirts
- Shop Three Season Outerwear
- Shop Trail Riding
- Shop Trail of Painted Ponies
- Shop Vests
- Shop Water-resistant Outerwear
- Shop Waterproof Outerwear
- Shop Western Dee Bits
- Shop Winter Riding Gear
Top-Rated Products
Reviews Home >
Horse Tack, Supplies and Equipment Reviews >
Saddles Reviews >
All Purpose/Eventing Saddles Reviews
Customer Reviews for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Collegiate Convertible Diploma
For jumping or flat work. Easy-Change Gullet System adjusts to fit horse?s withers. Handcrafted in Easy-Ride Pre-Treated leather, so soft and pliable it is preferred by most riders and feels instantly broken in. Remarkably detailed contrast stitching and stained edges. Medium deep seat and forward cut flap position are excellent for jumping or working on the flat. Airflow padded flaps with pencil knee rolls for security. Recessed stirrup bar eliminates bulk under leg. Flocked panels. Havana. 15, 16, 16 1/2, 17, 17 1/2, 18, standard flap or lengthened flap.
Average Customer Rating:
(8 Reviews) 8
Rating breakdown 8 reviews
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Star
1
7 of 8(88%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Review 1 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
Good fit, even better price
January 22, 2013
ByScotinTexas
fromGeorgetown, TX
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"My 16.2hh gelding with typical TB withers but average width proved extremely difficult to fit for a well-fitting close contact / jumping saddle. 4 saddles later (thanks to SmartPak for their excellent Test Ride program) we found this. I had tried more expensive brands but was delighted that the best fit came from this one which cost so much less, yet is stylish & comfortable."
Review 2 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
November 14, 2012
ByMariaS
fromCincinnati, OH
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Share this Review:
"My horse is a petite 15.2 hh Thoroughbred with fairly high withers-they come out more due to her undeveloped topline. She requires a curved panel as well, so if your horse is built like this, I wouldn't try the Diploma. I tried the medium-narrow, medium, and medium-wide gullet plates on her and no matter which way the saddle completely tipped back, had no wither clearance and the panels were not curved much at all.
The reason I give this saddle one star is for the following: For it's price, the leather was hard and stiff and in the same price range, you can get a Marcel Toulouse or other saddle of much better quality. In addition the Easy Change Gullet is NOT easy. I read reviews of this saddle before and some people said the same thing I just did. I thought maybe they were just not good with tools or something. The way this works, you have to really push and hold the under part of the saddle up into the gullet to get the screw in straight. In addition when you change the gullet, the panels get huge creases which in time would make it uneven on the horse's back."
The reason I give this saddle one star is for the following: For it's price, the leather was hard and stiff and in the same price range, you can get a Marcel Toulouse or other saddle of much better quality. In addition the Easy Change Gullet is NOT easy. I read reviews of this saddle before and some people said the same thing I just did. I thought maybe they were just not good with tools or something. The way this works, you have to really push and hold the under part of the saddle up into the gullet to get the screw in straight. In addition when you change the gullet, the panels get huge creases which in time would make it uneven on the horse's back."
Review 3 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
Great Saddle
October 18, 2012
Bycrazyeventer
fromGarden City, MO
I have used this product for:2-5 years
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
3
of
5
Share this Review:
"I have had this saddle for about four years now. I have used it on my no withers pony, big withered thoroughbred, and my medium tree thoroughbred. It isnt very easy to change though. I use it 6-7 times a week and it is very comfortable and has never given my horses any soreness issues. I am short so i do not like how it has such a long flap but it is great for lower level eventing. Im am searching for a new saddle though, because i am moving up to higher levels. The only complaint i have about the leather is the rub marks that my nice, expensive, stirrup leathers give it. Overall a great saddle though!"
Review 4 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
Good Value for the Money
July 23, 2012
ByBoiseRider
fromBoise
I have used this product for:2-5 years
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Eventing
Quality:
3
of
5
Value:
4
of
5
Share this Review:
"I've had this saddle for about two years now and I ride in it 3-4 times per week. My main complaint is with the low quality of the leather. It was soft enough that it broke in fairly quickly, however it definitely does not have the leather feel you get in higher quality saddles--it's not supple or tacky to the touch. I also have some nice, expensive stirrup leathers and there are still huge rub marks on the flaps. Despite regular cleaning and conditioning, those rub marks appeared quickly and won't go away. It fits my thoroughbred's back nicely, no soreness issues. I feel secure enough jumping novice level jumps in it and it's never given me an uncomfortable ride. I've never tried adjusting the tree, so I can't comment on that. Overall, I think it's a very solid choice for the price. However, I'd almost recommend getting a higher end saddle used for the same price."
Review 5 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
Great Saddle!
February 5, 2012
ByOreoDuchessVanity
I have used this product for:1-2 years
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"I've owned this saddle for 2 years now and it's in great condition still! The only wear and tear its had is the usual stirrup rubs. Very comfortable, broke in quite quickly, great for flat work and jumping! Highly recommend it, great value!"
Review 6 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
Always been a fan of Collegiate!
April 20, 2011
ByShaphiyr
fromEnfield, CT
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter Under Saddle
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"First, a background: I've always been a fan of Collegiate saddles since I was about 12. I am 26 now. My first saddle, a 16.5" Collegiate Graduate with the suede knee rolls and suede paneling, made by Ruiz Diaz that I got as a present in 1996 and I JUST retired it in December. It's still holding up, some stitching coming undone but no holes in the leather, never had to be reflocked, virtually fit any horse.. it was awesome.
Anyway, the Diploma saddle doesn't have nearly the same quality as that one, but it's far better than some others I've tried. I am still getting used to the more forward flaps on it, it almost makes me feel like I am sitting funny. Maybe it's in my head as I am used to a more normal, longer, not so forward flapped saddle. Either way, I like how the gullet is changeable (didn't need it though) and the color is impressive."
Review 7 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
Second Collegiate Purchase
October 18, 2010
ByLynn0895
fromMD
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Durability:
5
of
5
Fit
Excellent
Share this Review:
"I purchased a dressage saddle first and then decided to replace my plain flap Crosby with something with padded flaps. This saddle felt as hard as a rock the first time I rode in it; it was very stiff. After several layers of oil, as in before and after each ride, it is starting to soften a bit. Still, I immediately felt in proper position and very secure even upon first use."
Review 8 for Collegiate Convertible Diploma
Overall Rating:
Best Investment of Money
April 27, 2009
ByHunterJumper421
fromMA
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Number of Dogs:3
Quality:
5
of
5
Value:
5
of
5
Share this Review:
"This is the best investment I have made with my money besides buying my horse!! I have ridden in several saddles before this saddle. I have owned an Amerigo and it wasn't as comfortable as this saddle! It instantly feels like a two year old broken in saddle! I ride several horses besides my own and it fits all of them ranging from a 13 hand pony to a 18.2 hand thoroughbred! I own a paint quarter horse with a slim build almost like a thoroughbred and he is so much happier with this saddle! I would recommend this saddle to anyone!"